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MATERIALS ENGINEER REVIEWER - I (Soil & Soil Aggregates)
MATERIALS ENGINEER REVIEWER - I (Soil & Soil Aggregates)
1. What is quality?
It’s the degree of excellence
2. What is control?
Is to regulate
3. What is quality control?
It is conformance to requirements
4. What is assurance?
It’s the degree of certainty
5. What are the two kinds of control activities?
Inspection and Testing
6. Who is the father of soil Mechanics?
Dr. Karl Terzhagi
7. Consist of all works elements carried out by the manager or by those in his organization which
contribute to the quality of the output of some other organization.
Quality Assurance Work
8. Refers to the process of making tests to determine the degree of compliance of delivered or
constructed materials with the specification.
Materials Testing
9. These are prescribed in each project based on the estimated quantities it specify the number of
tests for each work items.
Minimum Testing Requirements
10. What composed of Materials Quality Control Monthly Reports?
Summary of field tests and status of test
11. As work progresses, the Material Engineer should know how many sample has been submitted
and tested and how many samples are to be submitted, in other words the ME must refer to
what report so that he/she may be updated on the balance and on file quality test of the
construction materials being used in the project.
Status of Test
12. Before the project starts, the Materials Engineer or the technician must have a program on how
many samples for each item of work should be tested based on the minimum testing
requirements. What program or report is this?
Quality Control Program
13. What is the basis for the acceptance or rejection of any construction material?
Materials test result/reports
14. All records regarding quality control such as accomplishment, daily activities, weather, etc. are
recorded in a _______.
Materials Log Book
15. Sample submitted for test should have a tag bearing the name of the project, the quantity
represented, kind of sample, original source, who sampled and who submitted it, the date
sampled and date submitted and etc. What is the common name of the tag for you as Materials
Engineer?
Sample Card
16. Quality Control Assurance Report should be submitted every_______?
week
17. CQCA means
Certificate of Quality Control Assurance (submitted weekly)
18. The authorized hauling of materials in excess of the free haul distance.
Overhaul
19. This shall consist of excavation and disposal of all materials regardless of its nature not classified
and included in the BOQ under other pay items.
Unclassified Excavation
20. This shall consists of Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rock which cannot be excavated
without blasting or the use of rippers and all boulders having a volume of 1cu.m or more.
Rock Excavation
21. This shall consist of all excavation not included in the BOQ under rock excavation or other pay
items.
Common Excavation
22. This shall consist of the removal and disposal of deposits of saturated or unsaturated mixture of
soils and organic matter not suitable for foundation materials.
Muck Excavation
23. What is the minimum distance of water table from subgrade level?
4 – 5 feet
24. What is the process of combining two or more soil in suitable properties to produce good grading
on gravel, sand, silt, and clay?
Mechanic Stabilization
25. What is the common material employed in stabilizing the moisture content of soil or liquid and
hydroscope in nature? It is an aid in the compaction process by slowing the rate of evaporation of
moisture from the soil.
Calcium Chloride or Rock Salt
26. When do clay and granular soils become unstable?
Clay soil becomes unstable if the moisture content increases, granular material
becomes unstable if it has dried
27. More silt and clay content to fine aggregates is
Objectionable
28. The unit pressure greater that which progressive settlement occur leading to failure
Bearing capacity
29. In the test to determine the moisture content of samples, the beam balance should be sensitive
up to
0.1g
30. If a sample cannot be weighed within the prescribed time after being removed from the oven, it
will be placed inside a
Desiccator
31. Plastic and finely grain soil will require at least how many hours to dry at constant weight/mass.
4 hours
32. A sample may be cooled at room humidity and must be weighed after it has been removed from
the oven within
1 hour
33. Drying the material sample in the oven to constant weight at a prescribe temperature, the drying
time depends on the kind of soil and size of sample A 25-gram sample of sandy material will be
dried in about
2 hours
34. Test conducted for buildings 3 storeys and above
Boring Test
35. A test to determine the moisture content of soil
Calcium tri-chloride /calcium carbide gas pressure
36. The aggregate crushing value of strong aggregate is
Low
37. Base or sub base is extended beyond each edge of proposed concrete pavement
0.60 m
38. What are the tests needed for the 2.650 cu.m Item 201 (Aggregate Base Course)?
CBR, Abrasion , GPCD 9-G,P,/300m3,2-Abrasion/1,500m3, 2-C/1,500m3, D/500m2-150mm, 9-
CBR/300m 3
39. How many grading tests are required for a 3, 200 cu.m selected borrow topping (item 104)?
embankment
3 grading tests (1-Grading test/1500 m3)
40. As a materials Engineer what will you recommend if you find out that the materials to be used as
item 200 is finer than the required materials? (aggregate sub-base)
Blend Item 200 with coarser materials
41. What is the standard specification of LL and PI of item 201?(Aggregate Base Course)
Maximum of 25% and maximum of 6% respectively
42. What is the CBR requirement for item 201?(aggregate Base Course)
80% maximum
43. How to determine the degree of compaction of Items 104, 200 & 201?
Field Density Test
44. What is the formula in obtaining the value of PI?
Liquid Limit minus Plastic Limit, (PI = LL-PL)
45. What are the other terms for sieve analysis?
Grading Test, Particle Size Distribution Test, Machine Analysis
46. What is the degree of compactions of the soil if the wet density is 2,200 kg/m 3 with an actual
moisture content of 10.2% and a maximum a dry density of 1,960 kg/m 3?
101.85% (pls provide computation)
47. What is the moisture content of the soil having an original weight of 162.5 grams and an oven –
dried weight of 138.2 grams?
Orig Wt of soil – Oven Dry Wt of soil (162.5 – 138.2)
17.58% MC = ----------------------------------------------- = ---------------------- x 100 =17.58%
Oven Dry Wt of Soil 138.2
48. If the group index of a soil is high, what indication does it mean?
the soil is clayey
49. As a material Engineer, how can you determine that the sample placed in the oven is already
oven – dried?
if the sample reaches its constant weight
50. In oven drying a sample for test, what temperature shall be maintained?
110 ± 5˚C
51. Why is it that cooling an oven dried sample before weighing is advisable?
because it can affect its weight
52. What is the difference between hygroscopic moisture content from natural moisture content?
hygroscopic moisture content is the moisture content of an air-dried sample
natural moisture content is the moisture content of the original sample from
the field.
53. Sample to be used for liquid limit and plastic limit tests should pass to what sieve?
No. 40 (0.425mm)
54. What compaction rammer shall be used if the spec given for Moisture – Density Relation Test
(MDR) in T – 180 & T - 99
T-180, 4.54 kg with 457mm drop (10 lbs – 18” drop)
T- 99, 2.5 kg with 305mm drop (5.5 lbs – 12” drop)
55. Quality control testing in a DPWH project is the responsibility of the______?
Contractor
56. As Materials Engineer when is the right time to start sampling and testing aggregates?
Once the source is identified
57. Aggregate Sub – base course has a volume of 5,000 m 3 and to be laid in a 15cm compacted
depth. How many samples shall be submitted for CBR test and for sieve analysis?
(1 Sieve test /300m3 1 CBR / 2500 m3)
2 samples for CBR and 17 samples for sieve analysis
58. How many compaction tests shall be conducted for item 201 having a volume of 8,250cu.m?
Six (6) compaction tests (1test /1,500m3)
59. If sample splitter is not available for use in reducing samples for test, what is the alternative way
of reducing sample for testing size?
apply quartering method and get two opposite sides as sample
60. After the soil has been tested in an Abrasion Machine, the mass % of wear computed is equal to
21%. If this material is for item 201, does it pass the DPWH specs?
yes, because the specs is 50% maximum
61. One of the duties of Materials Engineer is to see to it that all the construction materials be tested:
before it is incorporated into work
62. What is the maximum depth or roadway embankment per horizontal layer in loose measurement?
200mm loose measurement
63. If course aggregate like embankment is to be placed in layers, how many layers should a 40cm
thick Aggregate Base Course is placed?
Three (3) (150mm/layer)
64. The ME should always be alert of his schedule with regards to the number of days of a quality
test that takes place. Since not all construction materials can be tested just for a day or even a
week so, what is the lead time should he consider for a quality test of a cement sample?
One (1) month
65. CBR Sample for test has been compacted but it should be soaked for how many ______days
before testing?
Four (4)
66. If sieve analysis and plasticity test are used for Soil Classification, what test that its result be used
in field density test?
Compaction Test or Moisture Density Relation Test
67. Heavy rains occur the night before prior to your schedule field density test, are you going to
pursue your schedule? Why?
No, because the moisture content is high and can affect the result
68. What is the device used in testing for liquid limit test?
Liquid limit device with grooving tool
69. What apparatus is used in plastic limit test?
Glass Plate
70. Along the slope of high embankment ________ is provided as an erosion control measures and
also to improve the stability of the slope.
Berm
71. In soil and sub – surface explorations for flood control design of foundation condition, a soil
sample was taken for field and laboratory tests. The test required for soil was taken, except
Specific gravity, abrasion, water content, atterberg limits, gradation, compaction,
relative density
72. Structure crossing above such covered underground drainage conduit shall be laid at least _____
above the top of the conduit.
1.0 m,
73. The maximum size of aggregate for item 300. (aggregate surface course)
I inch
74. Required maximum liquid limit for item 300.
35%
75. Required plasticity index range in item 300.
4% to 9%
76. Range of sand size.
2.0mm to 0.075 mm Ø
77. The ratio of the volume of voids to volume of solids
Void ratio = Vv/Vs
78. The ratio of the weight of water to the weight of solids
Moisture Content =Ww/Ws
79. Significance of grading test are, except
AASHTO T 96
128. Why is it that a trial section is conducted in sub- base or base course construction?
to check the stability of materials, efficiency of the equipment used and the
construction method
129. A good subgrade soil should have the following:
low liquid limit and low plastic limit
130. It is a process of improving the properties of soil to make it more suitable for a particular purpose.
Stabilization
131. Two tests are done in one lot sample. The test differs from each other, third test is taken. What
will be this test?
Referee test
132. Subgrade having a CBR value of 2% or less its considered________.
weak subgrade
133. Subgrade having a CBR value of 15% or more is considered __________.
very stable
134. Subgrade other than those defined in two above categories is considered _Normal
135. What is the significance of field density test?
To determine the degree of compaction of soil. It is also a control test in
embankment construction to ensure adequate compaction
136. Weighing hot sample is not advisable because it affects the accuracy of the result, true or false?
true
137. How to prepare or to come up with an air – dried sample?
air dry the sample under the heat of the sun
138. If it is impossible to air-dry the sample under the heat of the sun, what alternative should be
used?
oven – dry the sample @ 60˚C
139. Sample for compaction test should pass to what sieve size?
Method A & B – use sample passing No.4
Method C & D – use sample passing ¾ inch
140. What is the particle size analysis?
It is the determination of particle size distribution in soils by sieve, hydrometer
or a combination analysis
141. What kind of water shall be used in laboratory test especially if it deals with chemicals?
distilled water
142. Liquid limit brass cup with sample is raised and allowed to drop sharply on the base through a
height of __________?
10 mm
143. How many rotations per second will the crank of a liquid limit are rotated?
2 rps
144. In doing a plastic limit test, to what Ø will the soil thread begin to break?
3.2 mm (1/8”)
145. What is specific gravity?
It is used in a gravimetric – volumetric relationship in soils (or defined as the
ratio of the wt. in air of an equal volume of water at a stated temperature)
146. What is the approximate area for density control strips?
335 sq.m
147. What is the required particle size for selected borrow for toppings under item 104?
all particle size will pass 75mm or 3” openings and not more than 15% will pass
0.075mm (AASHTO T 11)
148. What is the minimum degree of compaction for item 200 and 201?
100%
149. What is the highest point in the moisture density curve of the moisture density relation test or
compaction test?
150. What is the required size of calibrated sand used for field density test (FDT)?
Any clean, dry, free – flowing, uncemented sand passing No. 10 and retained No.
200 sieve
151. What is the standard diameter of an orifice of an FDT sand cone?
½ inch (12.7mm)
152. What are the apparatus used in FDT?
sand cone, jug (at least 4 liters), guide plate, moisture cans, calibrated sand,
weighing scale, oven with temperature control chisel or digging tool, plastic
bags and labelling materials (tag name)
153. The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is an – situ test that measures what?
Depth of soil layer
154. Soft and unstable soils were encountered during the course of subgrade preparation. If you were
the ME assigned to the project, what is the most effective and cheaper method that you would
recommend to stabilize the soil prior to the construction of subbase course?
Geotextiles
155. What is to be done in order to determine the number of passes that would attain the required
density?
Trial section
156. A tube sampler is used in sampling undisturbed sample
Shelby tube (18” long)
157. A tube sampler is used in sampling disturbed sample
Split spoon sampler
Sampling
170. A soil sample received from the field for subsequent tests by reducing aggregations of particles
into sizes which will pass certain sieves.
Disturbed samples
171. Samples obtained from the field with minimum disturbance by using any drilling equipment that
provides clean hole before insertion of thin- walled tubes that is both the natural density and
moisture content are preserved as much as practicable.
Undisturbed samples
172. A procedure to recover relatively undisturbed soil samples suitable laboratory tests of structural
properties.
Thin-walled tube sampling
173. The representative who will witness the testing of materials in an accredited laboratory.
Government
174. The following are considered unsuitable materials:
Materials containing detrimental quantities of organic materials such as grass, roots
and sewage
Highly organic soils such as peat and muck
Soils with LL exceeding 80% and/ or PL exceeding 55%
Soils with a natural moisture content exceeding 100%
Soils with very low natural density, 800 kg/m2
soils that cannot be properly compacted as determined by the engineer
175. What is the specification of mass % passing in sieve No. 200, grading A for aggregate base
course?
0-12% , (2-14% for Grading B)
176. If the type of soil in Item 200 is non – plastic, what Atterberg limit test can be performed?
Liquid Limit Test
177. This increases the shearing strength of aggregates of any size, shape, and graduation.
Compaction
178. It is the activity of monitoring planned scheduled against actual and by speed task make- up for
the past or future loss of time.
Delivery control
179. It reduces the vertical compressive stress induced by traffic in the subbase and subgrade.
Base course
180. A field density result of 88% degree of compaction obtained on the subgrade indicates that
Compaction of the subgrade fails the compaction spec’s and needs additional
compaction
181. Liquid limit is usually
Greater than Plastic Limit
182. The blue book requires that the base course be compacted at least
100% modified proctor
183. As construction work progresses, you noticed that the delivered materials are different from the
one tested passed. If you are in doubt, what will you do?
Conduct immediate re-testing for verification
184. Which of the following is not the responsibility of the Materials Engineer?
Sampling of materials
Analysis of test results of materials
Scheduling of delivery of materials
Design of concrete mix
185. The moisture density curve if different from each soil. Which of the following statement is true?
Granular, well graded soils generally have fairly high maximum density at low
optimum moisture content.
Clay soil have lower densities at OMC than granular, well graded soil
Granular, well graded soil have greater densities than uniform soil at OMC
186. What should be done on the subbase course with existing moisture content of 10% higher than
the optimum moisture content?
Dry out to reduce moisture, spread to the required thickness and compact
187. Geosynthetics may be used for
Filtration or drainage reinforcement, erosion control
188. A one-lane road with a pavement width of 3.5m and shoulder width of 0.5m on each side of the
pavement was designed to have subbase and base courses with a combined thickness of
300mm. If the thickness of subbase is 125mm, the spreading and compaction of the base and
subbase courses shall be carried out in ________?
Three (3) layer over the full width of 4.5m
189. Which of the following is not included in determining moisture content?
Beam balance
Oven
Moisture can
extruder
190. Samples of aggregates for base course when tested for quality the requirements fails except
grading. What will you recommend?
Reprocess the materials by blending
191. What is the most inferior type of soil as to its engineering properties?
Organic
192. What is the testing soil that involves as the application of energy and addition of water as
lubricant?
Moisture-Density relation test
193. What is the volume of the mold using 6” for AASHTO T – 180 D method in compaction test?
0.002124 m3 ( h=4.584±.005”, 116.43±.127mm) therefore h=0.11643m
194. A material resulting from the disintegration, grinding or crushing of rock and which will pass
2.00mm sieve and be retained on the 0.075mm sieve.
Sand
195. What is ASTM?
American Society for Testing & Materials
196. What is AASHTO?
American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials
197. DPWH thru Bureau of Research &Standards has prepared a revised laboratory testing procedure
manual, in order to have be consistent with the latest methods as prescribed under…...
ASTM & AASHTO
198. What is the category of contractor that are required by DPWH to have laboratory equipment’s or
apparatus in pre- bidding qualifications?
Large
199. What is the maximum size of aggregate used in Item 104?
½ of the thickness
200. In soaking sample for CBR, the water should be at least _____ above the specimen.
25mm
201. A natural or prepared mixture consisting predominantly of stone, gravel, or sand and containing
silt- clay materials.
Soil Aggregates
202. Settlement of right of way problems should be done
Before the construction work
203. Material that has the greatest load carrying capacity
Sand and Gravel
204. The use of geo-fabric material to increase the strength of the subgrade material for road
construction is classified as
Soil Reinforcement Method
222. Water content at which soil passes from solid to semi – solid
Shrinkage Limit
223. Weight of soil sample needed for liquid limit determination.
100 grams
224. For plastic limit determination.
15 grams
225. For shrinkage limit.
30 grams
226. It is the ratio of the weight of water in the soil to the weight of the dry soil after it has been dried to
constant weight at a temp. of 105-110˚C.
Moisture Content
227. It is defined as the ratio of the weight in air of a given volume of a material to the weight in air of
an equal volume of a standard material at a stated temperature.
Specific Gravity
228. It is determination of particle size distribution in soils by sieve, hydrometer or a combined
analysis.
Grain size or Mechanical Analysis
229. Three major groups of soil
Coarse Grained,
Fine – Grained,
Organic
230. If the individual particles are visible to the unaided eye, the soil considered to be:
Coarse Grained Soil
231. The two principal soil types that comprises the coarse grained soil.
Gravel – loose H2O worn fragments of
Sand – cohesive gritty & cohesionless
232. If its individual particles are not visible to the unaided eye.
Fine – grained soil
233. The two principal type comprising this group are:
silt – has smooth texture
clay – cohesive and plastic when wet
234. This type contains an appreciable amount of decayed animal and or plant matter.
Organic Soil
235. The limiting diameter of gravel is:
3” to sieve #10 or 75mm to 2mm
236. The limiting diameter of sand is:
from 2.0mm to 0.074mm (No. 200 sieve)
237. Rock fragments which are coarser than the upper limiting size for gravel are:
boulders
238. Limiting size for silt:
0.074mm to 0.005mm
239. Limiting size for clay:
0.005mm to 0.001mm
240. Those smaller than 0.001mm are called:
colloids
241. It shall have an even number of equal width chutes but not less than a total of eight for coarse
aggregate, or twelve for fin aggregates. which discharge alternately to each side.
Sample Splitter
242. It is widely used in the classification and identification of soils. It is an important criterion in the
classification of highway subgrade materials. It is also related to permeability and capillarity of
cohesion less soil.
Grain Size Distribution
243. The size of the portion passing 2.0mm to 0.425mm (#40) sieve shall be tested for:
Hygroscopic Moisture Content
SOIL & SOIL AGGREGATES Page 12/33
MATERIALS ENGINEERS (DPWH) ACCREDITATION EXAM REVIEWER I
Hydrometer Test
244. These indicate compressibility and related to permeability.
Plasticity Index
245. High Plasticity Index means high degree of compressibility of soil.
246. The higher the Plasticity Index the lower the permeability.
247. It is performed if the soil is granular, if a considerable portion is retained on the No.200 sieve
(0.074mm).
Sieve Analysis
248. If the soil is fine-grained or nearly all its particles are finer than the No. 200 sieve.
Hydrometer Analysis
249. For efficient compaction, the embankment materials should at the time of rolling be at.
Optimum Moisture Content
250. For a road base course, the most preferable materials is one with CBR value of:
80%
251. Peat and muck are:
Unsuitable Soils
252. The plasticity index of aggregate base course should not be greater than:
6
253. The natural water content of highly organic soil is:
more than 100%
254. This is very important to achieve maximum contact between particles and maximum water
tightness of base materials.
Gradation
255. In general, soils high value of this and P.I. are poor as engineering materials.
Liquid Limit of Fines
256. Give indications of clay content in soil.
Plasticity Index
257. Use to evaluate the potential strength of soil aggregate.
CBR
258. The behaviour of soil is markedly influence by the amount of
Moisture Content
259. It is defined as the weight/mass per unit volume.
Density of Soil
260. This is widely used as a control test in embankment construction to ensure adequate compaction.
Field Density Test
261. It involves the application of energy and addition of water as lubricant.
Compaction of Soil
262. It increases the shearing strength of aggregate of any size, shape/gradation.
Compaction
263. This is the amount of moisture that allows the compacting force to overcome the frictional
resistance and the maximum density of soil mass is attained.
Optimum Moisture Content
264. A test to determine the moisture content of soil.
Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure/calcium trichloride
265. The amount of lime to be added in item 203 (Lime Stabilized Road Mix Base Course)
3-12 mass % of dry soil aggregate
266. The amount of cement to be added in Item 204 (Portland Cement Stabilized Road Mix Base
Course)
6-10 mass % of dry soil aggregate
267. The amount of asphalt to be added in Item 205 (Asphalt Stabilized Road Mix Base Course)
4-7 mass % of dry soil aggregate
268. Based on the maximum dry density obtained by Lab. test, the degree of compaction required for
aggregate subbase should at least
100%
269. What are the dead load equivalent of loose sand, earth & gravel fill
1.603 tons/cu.m
270. The flow curve obtained when liquid limit test results are plotted on a semi-log scale is in the form
of
Straight Line
271. What is the effect of increasing the compaction effect in compacting soil
Higher Density
Lower Optimum Water Content
272. An excavation and utilization of approved material sources required for the construction of
embankment, or for other portion of the work as shown on the plans or on the special provisions
Borrow Excavation
273. On item 102, rock shall be excavated below sub-grade within the limit of the road bed to a
depth...
150mm (6”)
274. Test requirement for selected borrow (topping) – 201(aggregate base course)
P.I. not greater than 6
L.L. not greater than 25
275. What is rolling distance extended outside the base course and surface course on pavement
30cm
276. When can we eliminate sub-base during construction
When CBR value is greater than 25%
277. If the type of soil in item 200 materials is non-plastic, what Atterberg Limit test can be performed?
Liquid Limit
278. A sample of 95% passed No.200 sieve. What test should be done?
Hydrometer Analysis
279. Per POW, the estimated volume of Item 201 is 7,500 cu.m. How many grading and plasticity test
are required?
5 (1 G P /1,500 m3)
280. Item 201 materials with CBR value of 75 % (which is 5% less than the minimum requirement) can
still be used in the design of a concrete pavement that the following are considered except one:
the foundation contain unsuitable material
281. Bulldozer maybe used for moving earth effectively at a maximum distance of
100 l. m.
282. Auger boring maybe made at an average interval of
250 meters
283. This is the process whereby soil particles are contained more closely together through a
reduction in the air voids, generally by mechanical means.
Ans. Soil Compaction
284. This is provided for the purpose of counteracting moisture movement within the
structure either by seepage or capillary action.
Ans. Subsoil drainage
285. P e r t a i n s t o t h e r e l a t i v e d e n s i t y o f t h e s o i l material making up the constituents
particle not including the pore space within the particles that is accessible to water.
Ans. Apparent Specific Gravity
286. These are widely used to control the characteristics of soil which are to be incorporated in
roadway.
Ans. Liquid and Plastic Limits
290. This d e t e r m i n e s t h e i n - s i t e s h e a r s t r e n g t h o f s o f t t o m e d i u m c l a y .
Ans. Vane Shear Test
291. This d e t e r m i n e s t h e s o i l b e a r i n g c a p a c i t y b y l o a d i n g a s t e e l p l a t e usually
30 inches in diameter.
Ans. Plate Bearing test
292. Laboratory w h i c h m e a s u r e s e x a m i n e s , c a l i b r a t e o r o t h e r w i s e determine the
characteristic or performance materials or products.
Ans. Testing Laboratory
293. Standard technical procedure to determine one or more specified
characteristic of material product is called
Ans. Test Method
294. A d o c u m e n t w h i c h p r e s e n t s t h e t e s t r e s u l t s a n d o t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n relevant
to test is called
Ans. Test Report.
295. A d o c u m e n t s i g n e d b y t h e D i r e c t o r o f B R S i s s u e d t o Testing laboratory
authorizing them to perform the required test in behalf of DPWH.
Ans. Certificate of Accreditation
296. T h i s i s o n e o f t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t e n g i n e e r i n g p r o p e r t i e s o f s o i l . It is defined
as its ability to resist sliding along internal surface within the mass.
.Ans.. Shearing Strength of Soil
297. This is the method in determining the in-place density of soil that can be used satisfactorily in
moist, cohesive fine grained material only. The sample is obtained by forcing a small thin-walled
cylinder into the material and driving head and hammer or other suitable apparatus.
Ans. Drive Cylinder Method
298. This method of test is intended to determine the density of cohesive soil and stabilized soil by
measuring the weight and volume of undisturbed samples.
Ans. Block Chunk or Core Sampling
299. This method covers the determination of the density in-place of compacted or firmly bonded soil
by using a flexible membrane and liquid that can be used to measure the volume of a test hole
soil with an accuracy within …%.
Ans. Rubber Balloon Method
300. This method covers the determination of the total or wet density of soil and soil aggregate in-
place by the attenuation of gamma rays where the gamma detector, or both, remains at or near
the surface.
Ans. Nuclear Method
301. What are the common Laboratory tests required for soils?
Ans. a) Sieve analysis and hydrometer test
a) Plastic and liquid limit test
b) Compaction test moisture-density relation
c) California bearing ratio test (CBR)
d) Abrasion test (mass % of wear)
e) Unit weight
f) Moisture content
302. What is the significance of field density test on soils?
Ans. To determine the degree of compaction of soil or control test in
embankment construction to ensure adequate compaction.
303. What test are used in soils classification?
Ans. a) grading or sieve analysis
a) plastic and liquid limit test
304. What is the particle size analysis?
Ans. It is the determination of particle size distribution in soil by sieve,
hydrometer, or combined analysis
305. Require plasticity index for aggregates surface course;
a) 12 subbase course
b) 6 base course
c) 4 to 9
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MATERIALS ENGINEERS (DPWH) ACCREDITATION EXAM REVIEWER I
306. The following are the responsibility of the materials engineer, except;
a) Witness testing of materials
b) Prepare or check concrete design mix
c) Check and inspect materials logbook
307. Minimum soaked CBR for aggregates base course;
a) 70%
b) 75%
c) 80%
308. Materials smaller than 0.001 mm;
a) Colloids
b) Clay (.005mm to .0001mm)
c) Silt (.075mm to .0005mm)
309. Fine-grained spoils smaller than 0.002 mm
a) Clay
b) Silt
c) Colloids
310. The maximum required plasticity index for base course is 6, what is for the subbase course?
a) 4 to 9
b) 3 to 10
c) 12
311. Maximum required liquid limit for selected borrow for topping ?
a) 35%
b) 30%
c) 25%
312. The New Building Code of the Philippines
a) PD 1594
b) PD1096
c) PD 1870
313. Civil Engineering Law
a) R.A. 544
b) R.A. 554
c) R.A. 1080
314. Give an indication of clay content in soil;
a) Liquid Limit
b) Plasticity Index
c) Shrinkage Limit
315. Calibration of universal testing machine shall be done ;
a) Once a year
b) Every 6 months
c) Every 4 months
316. The significance test of soil, that will determine the potential strength of the soil;
a) Grading
b) Soaked CBR
c) Plasticity
317. The purpose of trial sections before subbase/base construction is started;
a) To check the suitability of the materials
b) To check the efficiency of the equipment used
c) Construction methods which is proposed to be used.
d) All of the above
318. Tolerance of thickness layer for subbase course;
a) ±10
b) ±15
c) ±20 mm
319. The allowable tolerance permitted variation from design thickness of layer of aggregate base
course;
a) ±10 mm
b) ±15
c) ±20
320. The moisture content of subbase/base material shall be adjusted prior to compaction by;
a) Watering the approved sprinklers mounted on trucks
b) Drying out in order to obtain the required compactions
c) Remove and replace another materials
d) Either a) or b)
321. The process of producing a fill, subgrade, road base or road surface which is capable of
withstanding the existing traffic under all weather and moisture conditions;
a) Soil stabilization
b) Use of admixtures
c) None of the above
d) Both a) & b)
322. As an experience materials engineer, compacting 6” (15 cm) thick layers of soil will require, how
many passes.
a) 8 to 10 passes ( for 6” thick layer)
b) 15 to 20 passes (for 8” thick layer)
c) 15 to 30 passes
323. A sample is considered to be oven-dried if it has been dried in an apparatus at a temperature of
a) 110±5⁰C
b) 90⁰C
c) 100⁰C
324. How many CBR test are required for 4,000 cu.m. of Aggregate Base Course?
a) 1
b) 2 1 CBR / 2,500 m3
c) 3
325. The Liquid Limit is determined by the moisture content corresponding to how many blows?
a) 25
b) 30
c) 45
326. In determining the fineness modulus of sand, the percentage retained on all of the following
sieves except one are considered;3/8”, No. 4, No. 8, No. 16, No. 30, No. 50, No. 100 & No. 200.
a) No. 16
b) No. 100
c) No. 200
327. What test determines the % of dust, clay, dirt on your aggregates? (clay lumps & friable ASTM C-142)
a) Field Density Test
b) Wash Loss
c) none of the above
328. Samples dried in an oven or other drying apparatus at a temperature not exceeding _____are
considered to be air-dried.
a) 60⁰C
b) 85⁰C
c) 110⁰C
329. Not included in liquid limit determination
a) Balance , sensitive to 0.1 gm
b) Liquid limit device
c) Oven with temp control
d) Extruder
330. Liquid limit of unsuitable materials exceed
a) 80%
b) 60%
c) 55%
331. Plastic Limit of unsuitable materials exceed
a) 50%
b) 55%
c) 54%
332. Liquid limit is either.
a) Greater than plastic limit
b) Equal to plastic limit
c) Lesser than plastic limit
d) All of the above
333. Percent of compaction of ordinary soil
a) 90%
b) 95%
c) 100%
334. Minimum percent compaction requirement of fill materials above MLLW
a) 85%
b) 90%
c) 95%
335. Minimum size of special fill common material
a) 1½”
b) 2½”
c) 3”
336. Physical properties of soil that gives an indication of clay contents
a) Liquid limit
b) Plastic limit
c) Shrinkage limit
d) Plasticity index
337. In reducing field samples of aggregates by quartering, which of the following are to be considered
for testing?
a) All of the quarters
b) Two adjacent quarters
c) Opposite quarters
338. Moisture content determination of soil, gives the following results; weight of container plus wet
soil=120 grams, weight of container=70 grams, weight of container plus dry soil=108 grams. The
moisture content will be?
Wt of water (Wt of wet soil+ container)- (Wt of dry soil + container)
a) 30.28% MC = -------------- = ---------------------------------------------------------
b) 31.58% Wt of dry soil (Wt of dry soil + container)- (wt of container)
c) 31.70% 120 – 108
= ------------------------- x 100 = 31.58%
108 - 70
339. The weight of air-dried soil is 200 gms, the weight of mass of oven-dried soil is 175 grms,
therefore, the hydroscopic moisture content will be?
a) 14.29% wt. of air-dried soil – wt. of oven-dried soil
b) 14.50% Hydroscopic Moisture = ------------------------------------------------------------- x 100
c) 15.50% wt. of oven-dried soil
200 – 175
= --------------- x 100 = 14.285%
175
340. From the following data, compute for the Field Dry Density.
Wt. of compacted soil excavated from pit = 450 gms. Vol of pit = 412/1.45 = 284.14
Wt. of sand to fill the pit = 412 gms Wet unit wt of soil = 450/284.14 = 1.584
Bulk density of sand = 1.45 gm/cc wet density of soil 1.584
Water content of soil = 12.5% Field Dry Density = -------------------------- = --------- = 1.408
a) 1.41 gm/cc 1 + MC/100 1 + 12.5/100
b) 1.50 gm/cc
c) 1.45 gm/cc
SOIL & SOIL AGGREGATES Page 18/33
MATERIALS ENGINEERS (DPWH) ACCREDITATION EXAM REVIEWER I
341. Supposed in problem # 342, the laboratory dry density is 1.38 gm/cc. the field compaction will
be? Field Dry Density
a) 100.50% Field compaction%=-------------------------x100=(1.41/1.38 )100=102.17%
b) 101.10% Lab Density
c) 102.17%
342. If the soil is compacted with higher compactive effort, the curve will move up and to the left, this
means that the…………..
a) Optimum moisture will decrease and the maximum dry density will increase
b) Optimum moisture will increase and the maximum dry density will increase
c) The maximum dry density will decrease and the optimum moisture content will
increase
343. Thus for a given soil with given amount of compactive effort, there is a water-content at which the
weight of soil grains obtained in a unit volume of the compacted soil mass is maximum. This
water content is_______.
a) Minimum moisture content
b) Optimum moisture content
c) Hydroscopic moisture content
344. You are an experienced Material engineer of your firm, during compaction you found out that soil
is too wet, what economical recommendation will you give?
a) Remove and replace the soil
b) Reject the soil
c) Scarify and dry the soil by exposing it to air under suitable conditions
345. Clay when removed from the borrow pit comes out in the form of chunk. If you are the assigned
Material Engineer in the field, what is the most suitable compacting equipment will you
recommend?
a) Vibratory roller
b) Pneumatic tired roller
c) Sheep’s foot roller
346. Increments of loads applied in load test
a) Not to exceed 15% of proposed safe load
b) Not to exceed 20% of proposed safe load
c) Not to exceed 25% of proposed safe load
347. Minimum thickness of one layer in spreading and compacting base and subbase course
a) 150 mm
b) 300 mm
c) 300 mm
348. The binder materials for granular materials usually consist of the following, except.
a) Silt-clay
b) Limestone dust
c) Slags
349. In construction of control strips and determination of target density. The number of in-place
density test taken at randomly selected sites within the control strips will be?
a) 15
b) 18
c) 20
d) 25
350. In construction of control strips and determination of target density. A new control strip maybe
ordered or requested to construct when; except.
a) If the mean density of the control strip is less than 98% of the density of laboratory
compacted specimen.
b) Ten (10) days of production have been accepted without construction of a new control
strip
c) There is a reason to believe that a control strip is not representative of the materials
being placed
d) All of the above
351. The layer used in the pavement system between the subgrade and the base course.
a) Embankment
b) Subbase
c) Surfacing
352. In California Bearing Ratio determination, the corrected load at 0.20 inch penetration is 1,255psi.
the percent CBR will be?
a) 83.67% Actual Corrected Load 1,255
b) 83.20% %CBR =----------------------------- x 100 = ------------ x 100 =83.67%
c) 82.50% (0.20 inch) Std Load 1,500
353. In laboratory compaction test, the dry density is 1,940 kg/m 3, the percent water content is
13.40%. The wet density will be?
a) 1,966 kg/m3 Wet Density = Dry Density (1 + MC/100)
b) 2,049 kg/m3 = 1,940 (I + 13.4/100)
c) 2,200 kg/m3 = 2,200 kg/m3
354. In laboratory compaction test, the wet density is 2,040 kg/m 3, the percent of water content is
4.20%. The wet density will be? Wet Density
a) 1,966 kg/m3 Dry Density = ------------------------ x 100
b) 2,049 kg/m3 1 + MC/100
c) 2,200 kg/m3
2,040
= -------------- x 100 = 1,956 kg/m3
1 + 4.2/100
355. Compaction curve produce in the laboratory compaction curve means.
a) Flow curve
b) Moisture density curve
c) Optimum moisture
356. You are the Material Engineer of your firm, it so happen that in the preparation of the as-staked
plans it was found out that there was an increase and new additional item of work from the
original quality control program as submitted. What will you recommend?
a) Maintained the old submitted quality control program
b) Revised the quality control program
c) Delete the increase and the new additional item
d) Any of the above
357. The highest moisture content in the plastic consistency of fine-grained soil is the
liquid limit
a) plastic limit
b) shrinkage limit
c) Liquid Limit
358. Compaction increases the strength of soil by
a) expelling air from its voids
b) forcing soil particles into intimate contact
c) both a and b
359. Indicates a range of moisture content over which soil is plastic
a) plastic limit
b) shrinkage limit
c) plasticity index
360. Water content of an undisturbed soil is called
a) optimum moisture content
b) hygroscopic moisture content
c) natural water content
361. In the performance of Moisture Density Relations Test, the equipment used is
a) liquid limit device
b) sand-cone apparatus
c) rammer and mold
d) none of the above
362. Peat and muck are
a) fair subgrade soils
b) stable soils
c) unstable soils
363. The particle size distribution of a soil is determined by
a) liquid limit test
b) sieve analysis test
c) plastic limit test
d) any of the preceding
364. To prevent intrusion of soft subgrade material into the aggregate base or subbase
a) reinforced earth
b) rock buttress
c) geotextiles may be used
365. The CBR value is generally selected at
a) 0.10 inch or 2.54mm
b) 0.0375 inch
c) 0.05 inch
d) 0.20inch penetration
366. One of the methods in improving the properties of a soil to make it suitable for a particular
purpose is
a) particle rearrangement
b) sodding or springing
c) paving
367. An aggregate base course of 21,600 m3 will require___ quality test
a) 14
b) 15 1 Q / 1500 m3
c) 72
368. Coarse aggregate for Crushed Stone Aggregate Surface Course should have not less than____
with at least one (1) fractured face
a) 40%
b) 45%
c) 50%
d) 60 %
369. Crushed Gravel Base Course, Grading C, shall be compacted in layers of not more than ___
loose thickness
a) 10 cm
b) 15 cm
c) 20 cm
370. Which plasticity index is most suitable for aggregate base course? [The fraction passing the
0.425mm (No.40) shall have a liquid limit not greater than 25 and plasticity index not greater than
6]
a) 5
b) 10
c) 15
d) 50,
371. During construction of a road project, if all the materials to be used are tested for quality,
inspection is no longer required
a) true
b) false
372. The degree of compaction of an embankment in our present Specifications is based on
a) CBR method
b) Unconfined compression test
c) AASHTO Designation T-180 (modified proctor compaction test)
d) Bulk Specific Gravity
373. Under Excavation for Structure, Item 106, the backfilling operation shall be done in 20 cm loose
layer and compacted to at least 95 %.
SOIL & SOIL AGGREGATES Page 21/33
MATERIALS ENGINEERS (DPWH) ACCREDITATION EXAM REVIEWER I
374. Soils are natural aggregates of minerals connected by strong and permanent cohesive forces
a) true
b) false
375. The boundary between sand and gravel is
a) 0.425 mm (# 40)
b) 4.750 mm (# 4)
c) 2.00 mm (# 10)
d) 0.075 mm ( # 200)
376. A a) sandy clay, b) clayey sand, c) sand clay, d) none of the preceding, is a soil which exhibits
the properties of a clay but contains an appreciable amount of sand.
377. Plasticity test is done on soils passing
a) 0.425 mm (# 40)
b) 2.00 mm ( # 10)
c) 0.075 mm (# 200) sieve
378. What are the other terms or particles size analysis?
Ans. 1) sieve analysis
2) mechanical analysis
3) grading test/analysis
379. What is the formula for plastic limit?
Ans. PL = (Wa – Wb) / Wb x 100
Where: Wa = original wt of crumbled soil thread
Wb = wt of oven dried crumbled soil
380. What is Plastic Index (PI)?
Ans. It is the difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit;
PI = LL-PL
381. What is specific gravity?
Ans. It is a gravimetric-volumetric relationship in soils (or defined as the ratio
of the wt in air of an equal volume of water at a stated temp.)
382. What is the approximate area for density control strip?
Ans. 335 sq. m.
383. The physical and engineering properties of soils may be improved by
a) compaction
b) stabilization
c) both a and b
d) neither a nor b
384. Water content of soils is generally based on the.
a) total weight of soil
b) total volume of soil
c) weight of solids
d) none of the preceding
385. The density to which a soil can be compacted is related to
a) compactive efforts
b) water content
c) both a and b
d) none of the preceding
386. Disturbed samples may be used for…
a) sieve test
b) liquid limit (AASTHO T89)
c) compaction test
d) any of the preceding
387. A soil with a Group Index of 5 is stronger than another with a Group Index of 10...
a) true
b) false
c) it depends on the water content
388. a) Water content, b) void ratio, c) degree of saturation, d) porosity determines the relative
amount of water in the voids.
SOIL & SOIL AGGREGATES Page 22/33
MATERIALS ENGINEERS (DPWH) ACCREDITATION EXAM REVIEWER I
389. The efficient compaction, the embankment material should at the time of rolling be.
a) dry
b) wet
c) at optimum moisture content
390. The degree of compaction required for embankment is at least ____ of the
maximum density as determine by AASTHO T-90 Method
a) 100%
b) 90%
c) 95%
d) 85%
391. Roadway embankment in earth material shall be placed and compacted in
horizontal layer not exceeding
a) 150 mm
b) 200 mm
c) 100 mm
d) 250 mm loose requirements, before the next layer is placed
392. In Aggregate Sub-base Course, the degree of compaction of each layer shall
continue until a field density of at least _____ of the maximum dry density
determines in accordance with AASTHO T-180 Method D has been attained.
a) 100%
b) 95%
c) 90 %
393. The maximum percentage wear allowed for Aggregate Subbase Course in a coarse
portion retained on a 2.0 mm (No. 10) sieve is…. by Los Angeles Abrasion Test
determine by AASHTO T-96
a) 45
b) 50
c) 40
d) 55 %
394. This is used in soil stabilized road surface due to its high ____ property, that is, it absorbs and
retains water.
a) Potassium Chloride c) Magnesium Chloride
b) Calcium Chloride d) Sodium Chloride
395. The mass % wear of soil aggregate used in cement/lime proportions should not be more than
a) 40 % c) 45 %
b) 50 % d) 55 %
396. The uniform rate at which the movable head of the CBR machine travel is _____.
a) 0.05 in/ min (1.2mm/min) c) 0.08 in /min
b) 0.10 in /min d) 0.09 in /min
397. The specific gravity of Sodium Sulfate used in soundness test for aggregate should be within the
range of _______________.
a) 1.151 to 1.174 c) 1.051 to 1.154
b) 1.250 to 1.178 d) 1.058 to 1.184
398. The specific gravity magnesium sulfate solution used in soundness test for aggregate should be
within the range of __________.
a) 1.280 to 1.408 c) 1.295 to 1.308
b) 1.180 to 1.308 d) 1.195 to 1.318
399. The solution used in the soundness test of aggregate shall be cooled to a temperature of 21 ±1⁰
C and maintain at that temperature for at least _____.
a) 24 hours c) 48 hours
b) 36 hours d) 18 hours
400. Proper compaction of the fill materials is very important, as it will ______.
a) Increase the shear strength c) Minimize compressibility
b) Decrease permeability d) All of the above
438. Mass percent loose for fine aggregates when tested in Clay Lumps is.
a) 0.10 % c) 0.80%
b) 0.25 % d) 1.0 %
439. _ _ _ _ is an instrument used for rapid in-site measurement of the structural properties of existing
road pavement.
a) Pundit Ultra Sonic Concrete Tester
b) Dynamic Core Penetrometer
c) Falling Weight Deflectometer
d) Core Test
440. ________determines the effect of water on the cohesion of the mixture
a) Stability Test c) Distillation
b) Solubility d) Immersion-Compression Test
441. The distance of the sample by grooving before rotating the brass cup is_____.
a) ¼” c) ¾”
b) ½” d) 1”
442. The most common method of assessing strength and stiffness of both sub-grade and pavement.
a) FDT c) SPT
b) CBR d) None of the above
443. How many days do the specimen for CBR soaked?
a) 1 day c) 3 days
b) 2 days d) 4 days
444. The different test for soil classification are:
a) Compaction and FDT
b) Hydrometer test and moisture content
c) Grading, LL and PL test
445. The apparatus/equipment used in the liquid limit and plastic limit test is
called___.
a) sieves and chisel
b) Atterberg Device and glass plate
c) mortar and pestle
446. _______ is a method of laboratory sampling.
a) Mixing c) Proportioning
b) Using mechanical splitter / quartering
447. In laboratory compaction test/moisture density relation test, what is the
specification of rammer?
a) 5.5lb. (2.5kg) with 12 in drop
b) 8 lb. (3.6 kg) in weight with 16 in drop
c) 10lb. (4.5kg) in weight with 18 in drop
448. What is the specification of mass percent passing in sieve
0 . 0 7 5 m m ( N o . 200) grading “A” for aggregate base course?
a) 20-14 b) 0 -12 c) 0 – 6
449. The minimum percent compaction for embankment is _______.
a) 92% b) 95% c) 97%
450. The minimum percent compaction for base of the road is ______.
a) 95% b) 97% c) 100%
451. The CBR value of aggregate base course is not less than ____.
a) 80% b) 85% c) 90%
452. The CBR value of aggregate sub base course is not less than ___.
a) 25% b) 30% c) 35%
453. The drying temperatures of samples.
a) 110±5⁰C b) 100±10⁰C c) 100⁰c
454. Embankment materials delivered at the job site was about 12,000 cu. m. The minimum test
requirement calls for 1 – G, P, C for every 1,500 cu. m.
a) 10 – G, P, C b) 8 – G, P, C c) 6 – G, P, C
455. A quality test is one of the minimum requirements for item 200–aggregate sub-base course.
a. True b) False c) optional
SOIL & SOIL AGGREGATES Page 26/33
MATERIALS ENGINEERS (DPWH) ACCREDITATION EXAM REVIEWER I
500. When do the embankment become friable in dry weather, ravel at the edges and abrade severely
under traffic and will become dusty in service and much of the binder soil is simply blown away
during the dry season.
a. the embankment is non- plastic
b. the embankment lacks compaction
c. materials fails CBR test
d. none of the above
501. When the embankment tends to soften in wet weather, and PCCP constructed of such material
develop ruts under traffic and may shift and shove to develop a wash board surface, the plasticity
index of such material is ____________.
a) P.I. is too high c) P.I. is too low
b) neither a & b d) both a & c
502. Based on the maximum dry density obtained by laboratory test, the degree of compaction
required for aggregate sub-base should be at least _____________.
a) 95% c) 100%
b) 98% d) 90%
503. Where to determine the amount of mixing water to use when compacting the soil in the field to
attain maximum density.
a. Trial Section c) Control Strip
b. Field Density Test d) Lab. Compaction Test
504. For soil classification purposes as in AASHTO M45, what is not required?
a) combined sieve and mechanical analysis
b) sieve analysis
c) the wash test
d) none of the above
505. This is widely used to control the characteristics of soil which are to be incorporated in roadways.
a. The Limit Test c) The Group Index
b. The soil classification d) all of the above
506. In direct shear test, the soil is sheared to failure by moving one part of the soil sample relatively to
the other part along a pre-determined plane. When several tests are made on a soil under
different normal loads and the results are plotted in arithmetic scales, the resulting line is made in
the form of ____________.
a. Straight line c) parabola
b. Hyperbola d) semi-elliptical
507. In conducting soil exploration survey, what equipment you will use in obtaining undisturbed
samples.
a. split spoon sampler c)screw type soil auger sampler
b. thin-walled sampler d) Post-hole auger sampler
508. T h i s i s a n e w m e t h o d o f s o i l s t a b i l i z a t i o n b e i n g i n t r o d u c e d t o i m p r o v e the
properties of soil which is effective and at the same time cheaper.
a) Stabilization by the use of Geo-textiles
b) Cement stabilization
c) Bituminous stabilization
d) Lime stabilization
509. This is the empirical indicator of the clay fraction of a binder material in a stabilized soil mixture.
b) Group Index
c) Liquid Limit
d) Plasticity Index
e) Plastic Limit
512. FORMULAS
O.C. = A – B x 100
A–C
Where: A = wt. of crucible + oven dried soil before Ignition
B = wt. of crucible + sample after ignition
C = wt. of crucible to the nearest 0.001 grams
513. Compaction Test / Moisture Density Relation
519. Computation
% Wear = Orig. wt. of sample – washed oven dried sample retained # 12 x 100
Original weight of sample
521. Absorption
523. C.B.R.